I've had acne for 10 years

by Leanne
(United States)

I've been suffering from acne for 9 years now going on 10. I'm now 20 years old and my acne is worse than ever. As a teenager it was very damaging to my self-esteem. Even now I can't look in the mirror without thinking that I'm not normal. I just recently moved from Ohio back to california. I don't know if it's the weather either but I've been getting a lot of cystic acne now.

I know how it feels when people approach you about your acne. For me I feel embarrassed and ashamed. They always ask,"why do you have acne?" or "how come you're not doing anything about your acne?" And of course it is always someone with clear skin.

I too couldn't do something that I loved because of my acne. I did some modeling and it was always a dream of mine to be a successful model but because of my acne I couldn't pursue my dream. Nobody ever realizes how much of an effect it has put on my life. But it's good to know that there are people who share the same experiences. When I read your story it was as if I was reading my own story, only it wasn't written by me. I also hope that one day I will be able to find something that will control my acne.